Rajon Rondo among smart plays Wednesday in Yahoo Daily Fantasy Basketball
By Eric Neuman
RotoWire Basketball Writer
Wednesday's basketball slate provides a plethora of players and lineup options to choose. Besides the usual suspects like Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, James Harden and DeMarcus Cousins, there are plenty of other players at affordable prices capable of putting up monster numbers. With some of the best defensive players in the league in action as well, there are also a few players you will want to avoid.
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GUARD
Rajon Rondo, SAC at ATL ($29) - Entering the season, Rondo was quite the wild card in the fantasy circuit. Always an enigma, it was unclear if Sacramento was getting the stat sheet stuffing Rondo from Boston, or the headcase version we saw in Dallas last season. The early results are in, and it appears the Kings landed the former. He's recorded three triple-doubles in his last five games, including 14 assists per game during that span. On the year, he's averaging 12.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 9.5 dimes and 2.1 steals in 35 minutes per game. It should be noted, Darren Collison, who missed the previous five games, traveled with the team to Atlanta and could play. Either way, Rondo is quite the value at his price and should continue putting up exceptional numbers.
C.J. McCollum, POR at HOU ($30) - Houston is struggling in all phases of the game, and there is no reason to expect it to turn things around defensively Wednesday. The Rockets give up 108.5 points per game, third most in the league. Defending McCollum will be James Harden, whose defensive pedigree is polar opposite of his offensive. McCollum has been consistent this year, and it is always convenient to pair high-risk/high-reward players with efficient ones in DFS. On the year, he's providing 20.4 points points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.1 triples in 35 minutes per game.
Guard to Avoid:
Deron Williams, DAL at BOS ($26) - After a much needed change of scenery this offseason, Williams has fit in well with this Mavericks squad. He averages a respectable 12.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 threes in 30 minutes per game. If you're going to bet on a breakout game for the former Fighting Illini, the smart money would not be on this contest. The Celtics have been stingy on defense all year, giving up 95.9 points per game, fifth fewest in the league. Behind the stellar play of Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder, they've been even stingier against opposing point guards, giving up the fewest FPPG.
FORWARD
Paul George, IND at PHI ($40) - After suffering a gruesome leg injury during a USA Basketball scrimmage late in summer 2014, George made a remarkably quick recovery and returned last Spring. This season, he has picked up right where he left off before the injury, answering any questions about whether he would ever be the same. He has been especially hot lately, scoring no less than 26 points in his last seven games. On the year, he is doing it all with 24.5 points, 8.6 points, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.5 triples in nearly 37 minutes per game. The Pacers have also decided to follow the league trend of small ball this year, with George starting at power forward in most games. The 76ers allow the most FPPG to opposing power forwards, and George should offer a unique challenge to the young Nerlens Noel.
Serge Ibaka, OKC vs. NOP ($31) - With Kevin Durant out of the Thunder's previous three games, Ibaka has been rolling along and doing his part to pick up the slack. He's made six long balls over the last four to go with an outstanding 13 blocks. Overall, he's averaged 13.9 points, 8.3 boards, 1.3 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.8 blocks in 34 minutes per game. Oklahoma City is going to continue relying on Ibaka on Wednesday versus the Pelicans, who allow the most points in the league at 109.4 per game.
Forward to Avoid:
Danilo Gallinari, DEN at SAS ($28) - After missing the entire 2014-15 season recovering from an ACL injury, Gallinari has been a pleasant surprise this season, putting up 28.2 FPPG. Unfortunately, he draws the unfavorable matchup of Kawhi Leonard on Wednesday, and unfavorable is an understatement. As expected, Leonard has been phenomenal defensively this year defending the opponent's best wing. Largely due to that fact, the Spurs allow the fewest FPPG to opposing small forwards.
Center
Mason Plumlee, POR at HOU ($19) - We touched on the Rocket's poor defense earlier, and Plumlee is likely to be another prime benefactor. Houston gives up the second most FPPG to power forwards and the most to centers. With Meyers Leonard already ruled out with a dislocated left shoulder, Plumlee will have ample opportunity to succeed in Portland's shallow frontcourt. He's started every game for the Trail Blazers this year, averaging an efficient 9.3 points, 8.0 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks in 28 minutes per game. Barring foul trouble and given the matchup, outperforming his $19 price tag seems likely.
Center to Avoid:
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at UTA ($23) - Valanciunas has been solid for the Raptors this season, nearly averaging a double-double with 14.1 points and 9.8 boards. However, he is coming off his worst performance of the season, and a matchup against one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league is far from a recipe for a bounce-back game. Utah is giving up the third-fewest points per game at 91.8 and the third-fewest FPPG to centers, as well. Valanciunas should continue his productive season, but likely after he visits Derrick Favors, Rudy Gobert and company in Utah.
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